**spoiler alert** This is a short story about a young princess who is captured by the conquering enemy. The new king decides to marry her so his claim**spoiler alert** This is a short story about a young princess who is captured by the conquering enemy. The new king decides to marry her so his claim to the throne is more legitimate. The new king isn't a nice man and he's brutal towards the princess. It's a violent story (punching, kicking, choking, etc), but if you're looking for a rape fantasy with a medieval flare and don't mind that level of violence, then you might like this one. Even though I found some parts of this book hard to read because of the level of violence towards the princess, I did end up picking up the sequel because I had to see what happens next....more

**spoiler alert** What's not to love about a handsome, dominant pirate captain? The hero kidnaps the heroine and keeps her for himself in his quarters**spoiler alert** What's not to love about a handsome, dominant pirate captain? The hero kidnaps the heroine and keeps her for himself in his quarters on his ship. BDSM sexiness ensues, and he even comes to care about her along the way. When he thinks she might die, he becomes completely distraught and remains by her side. Even though this is one of Faulkner's harsher tales due to the kidnapping and dubious consent, there is a nice HEA if you wait for it. Overall, I really enjoyed this one. And it’s short enough to get through in one evening. ...more

**spoiler alert** The Silver Devil is my new favorite book. I LOVED it! This historical romance was written in the first person from Felicia’s POV, bu**spoiler alert** The Silver Devil is my new favorite book. I LOVED it! This historical romance was written in the first person from Felicia’s POV, but the absence of Domenico’s POV only adds to the tension and mystery in the book. It’s definitely a bodice ripper, complete with a possessive (and downright psychotic) hero, a virgin heroine who is forced to be the hero’s mistress, rape, and two people who are too proud to admit they love each other. I liked Felicia the whole way through the story. My heart broke for her each time she had to hide her love from Domenico when he seemingly flaunted his indifference around her. Only later do we discover his motives for some of his more outrageous actions (like showing her paintings of his prospective wives and asking her which one she liked best) were simply to make her jealous. He is semi-redeemed at the end of the book, but not completely. Felicia realizes that even though she loves him, he’ll always be the harsh man who thinks nothing of ordering another man’s death or torture. The conclusion is fantastic because the length Domenico goes to in order to secure Felicia as his wife is finally revealed. ...more

This novel started out a little rough for me because I was a taken aback by Rowland's inital treatment of Bridgette. But considering the horrible chilThis novel started out a little rough for me because I was a taken aback by Rowland's inital treatment of Bridgette. But considering the horrible childhood Rowland had, it was a wonder he didn't behave even worse than he did. Really, it was a wonder he didn't just leave Bridgette to be stoned to death by her aunt at the beginning. Bridgette challenged Rowland from the start and tried several times to escape, but he wss never as brutal with her as I expected him to be in these instances. Rowland, who never before thought he'd desire marriage or having just one woman, becomes so attached to Bridgette that he can't imagine letting her go. This blinds him to the fact that she is actually a lady as she claims - instead of a servant. In fact, it takes a whole army to show up as his fief to believe she's the lady she's been claiming to be all along. Bridgette is able to forgive him for the pain he's caused her, over and over again. She is troubled by the truth of his childhood and aches for the little boy who knew no love. She even cares enough to help him discover his true identity and force him to face it down. When they are separated for months right before the conclusion, it seems that too much time has passed for Bridgette to forgive Rowland's absence. But Rowland risks imprisionment by Bridgette's brother to finally come after her a second time. Her anger towards him is so strong, she lies and says she feels nothing for him - but with the help of her brother she realizes she still loves him. The end of this novel is actually very beautiful....more

I recommend reading Defiant Ecstasy after reading Savage Ecstasy , and feel free to skip the first chapter in Defiant Ecstasy completely. It was nearlI recommend reading Defiant Ecstasy after reading Savage Ecstasy , and feel free to skip the first chapter in Defiant Ecstasy completely. It was nearly a word-for-word repeat of the very last chapter of the first book in this series by Janelle Taylor. Overall, I thought this book was fabulous. The tension between Grey Eagle and Alisha is better than ever. There's a few times where I feel like she's talking too much - voicing her doubts about whether Grey Eagle loves her or not a little too redundantly. Of course she had never heard the words "I love you" come out of his mouth because she doesn't yet know they share a language and his moods seem very unpredictable to her, so I got past this minor annoyance easily. Their love for one another is so great that Grey Eagle will risk his life to fight the successor of a neighboring tribe to get Alisha back. And before that even happens, Alisha believes Grey Eagle has sold her to another but she still can't push him out of her heart. In the end, they have a heart-to-heart and Alisha's doubts are finally remedied...more

One of the things I loved about this book was that even though Alisha and Grey Eagle come from two different worlds, they both try desperately to undeOne of the things I loved about this book was that even though Alisha and Grey Eagle come from two different worlds, they both try desperately to understand one another. Sure, Alisha probably spends a great deal of time more trying to understand Grey Eagle, but that doesn't mean he doesn't make an effort because of the unanticipated feelings she stirs within him. Yes, it's true, Grey Eagle is harsh with Alisha on quite a few occasions. He'll be the next chief of the Oglala and so appearances are very important to him, so important that he almost kills Alisha after she tries to run away. He later comes to regret his actions and Alisha strives to understand why he did what he did to her. Before Grey Eagle can make amends, the Oglala camp is attacked by white men and Alisha is taken away. His love for her is so strong though that he throws away appearances and brings his whole force to the gates of the fort where Alisha is and demands her return.

Another thing I liked about this book was the starch contrast between Alisha and Kathy. They come from the same world, but they are completely different people with opposite views of the indians.

If you like cheesy, happy romance where nobody gets their heart or body trampled on too badly, then you won't like this book. Keep in mind the title is "Savage Ecstasy," so don't expect sunshine and roses! And if you do like this book, I highly recommend reading the sequel, "Defiant Ecstasy."...more

**spoiler alert** I wasn’t initially planning to read Joining because of all the bad reviews I read, but I’m so glad a friend gave me a copy and I dec**spoiler alert** I wasn’t initially planning to read Joining because of all the bad reviews I read, but I’m so glad a friend gave me a copy and I decided to give it a try. I found the storyline interesting from the beginning with King John and the slighted lord who wished to prevent Millicent and Wulf’s families from joining. I know a lot of people complained there wasn’t much sex in this book and they didn’t like the characters, but I must disagree. I loved Millicent and Wulf, and the hatred between them was only the culmination of several misunderstandings, the first of which took place when they were children. Millicent thought Wulf was nothing but a brute, but she slowly learns he’s as gentle as Roland, the childhood friend she convinces herself she really wants to marry – only to discover her feelings for him are only brotherly. As if the problems Wulf and Millicent have with each other aren’t enough, they must deal with the bizarre attempts on Millicent’s life and their connection to the king. Yes, the characters do dislike one another (quite strongly) throughout most of the book, but I think it only adds to the buildup of the tension between them. And yes, there really isn’t as much sex in this book as in most Lindsey books, but I think it’s worth the wait at the end when they finally do come together in the marriage bed.

**spoiler alert** I've read many Johanna Lindsey books (most of which I've loved), but I wasn't initially planning on reading The Devil Who Tamed Her**spoiler alert** I've read many Johanna Lindsey books (most of which I've loved), but I wasn't initially planning on reading The Devil Who Tamed Her because I'd heard from a few friends that the characters in it are very unlikeable. BUT one day I was in the book store looking for a Johanna Lindsey book that I hadn't yet read and this was the only one on the shelf at the time, so I decided to give it a try anyway. I'm so glad I gave this book a chance, because I absolutely loved it! The story revolves around Ophelia, a beautiful woman who'd just intentionally sabotaged her engagement to a prominent Scot named Duncan, and her fiance's friend, Rafe. Ophelia is known for being a gossip and a shrew, so Duncan and Rafe make a bet that Rafe can't teach her the error of her ways. It did strike me as a little strange why Rafe would accept such a bet and go to the lengths he went to in order to "tame" Ophelia, but he claims several times throughout the book it is because he likes to help people and he thinks it will help Ophelia be able to find a husband she loves (instead of having to marry someone of her father's choosing). After Rafe absconds Ophelia away to his grandfather's secluded estate, he goes about trying to get Ophelia to confess all the bad things she's done (gossip, lies, etc) only to discover she's not really the shrew everyone believes her to be. During this process, Ophelia is constantly reminded of all the wrongs her father did to her and how she never really had a real childhood because her father insisted she be treated like an adult. Her father's ambition in life is to see her married to a man with a great title, even if that man is not of her choosing. It's impossible not to like Ophelia, especially when you learn of all the ways she'd tried helping her so-called friends. Yes, she's considered the most beautiful girl in London, but she actually hates her beauty because all she really wants is a man to love her for who she is - not for her pretty face. During her time alone with Rafe, they both become attracted to one another and end up making love. Rafe, however, claims he's not ready to marry yet and Ophelia says she will never consider Rafe as a husband because of how much her father would love to have a future duke as a son-in-law. When Ophelia is back in London, it isn't long before Rafe is attending the same parties as she is, and their paths cross often. Ophelia is actually grateful for Rafe's help and considers him a friend (and maybe more), until she discovers the bet between Duncan and Rafe. She feels incredibly betrayed and tries her best to convince Rafe that he never helped her at all. Near the end of the book, it seems that only a miracle can bring them together. The last few chapters of this book are very intense and filled with emotion on both sides. I couldn't put The Devil Who Tamed Her down! If you enjoy historical romance, I highly recommend giving this book a try....more

I finished this book in 2 days...would have been shorter if only I didn't require sleep! I'm giving it a 4 instead of the 5 I gave Devil's Embrace becI finished this book in 2 days...would have been shorter if only I didn't require sleep! I'm giving it a 4 instead of the 5 I gave Devil's Embrace because it did start off a little slow, but if you hang in there it's worth it. I loved seeing all the characters from Devil's Embrace come out to play again, and Cassie and Anthony's kids were fun characters. Adam and Rayna have great chemistry and I would have loved to read more about them. Arabella, of course, despises Kamal until shortly before the end of the book, but their love seems genuine. I'm sometimes hesitant to read sequels of romance novels, but I'm glad I read this one....more

I love it! I know this book has received a lot of unfavorable reviews in certain places on the web, but come on...the title of the book is "Captive BrI love it! I know this book has received a lot of unfavorable reviews in certain places on the web, but come on...the title of the book is "Captive Bride" for goodness sake. The hero does kidnap the heroine...but he has strong feelings for her and treats her kindly most of the time. Yes, he does spank her like once, but that's it and as far as historical romances go - it wasn't that bad. I loved the tension between the lead characters and got through the entire book in a day....more

I liked this book a lot...but it definitely wasn't what I imagined it would be. In fact, I think the title of the book is a little misleading. BUT thaI liked this book a lot...but it definitely wasn't what I imagined it would be. In fact, I think the title of the book is a little misleading. BUT that being said, it is a story of love and healing. As long as reading a book about someone who was abused as a child doesn't bother you and you love historical romance, you should give this one a try....more

This is definitely one of my favorite Johanna Lindsey books. I couldn't put it down! The sexual tension between the hero and heroine is wonderfully poThis is definitely one of my favorite Johanna Lindsey books. I couldn't put it down! The sexual tension between the hero and heroine is wonderfully portrayed. They want each other...they don't want to admit it to themselves or to each other...they fight...they fight some more...and eventually the tension between them explodes into passion. If you like viking romances...then why haven't you read this book yet? :) ...more

I finally got around to reading this last week...and yet again Johanna Lindsey blew me away. If you like romance stories that begin with a betrothal/aI finally got around to reading this last week...and yet again Johanna Lindsey blew me away. If you like romance stories that begin with a betrothal/arranged marriage and the hero and heroine start out at odds with one another, you'll probably like this book. The hero is very dominant and determined to bring the heroine back to his country, even if it means chasing the heroine and dragging her back kicking and screaming. Don't worry, they fall in love along the way. The only thing that might bother some people about this book is that the hero does spank the heroine once and threatens to do it again a number of times - but compared to the abuse she suffered as a child, it doesn't really phase her. But if you're familiar with this author, you probably already know what I mean. I highly recommend this book to others...it's defintely one of those 'can't put it down' books...more

**spoiler alert** I know this book has received a lot of bad reviews, but it just happens to be one of my favorite books...so here I am trying to defe**spoiler alert** I know this book has received a lot of bad reviews, but it just happens to be one of my favorite books...so here I am trying to defend it. Yes, Anthony kidnaps, rapes, and beats Cassandra...but it's not a story about a sadistic man who LIKES to inflict pain upon women. It's the story of a man in love who intends to properly court a woman during her first season in London. However, Cassandra decides to skip her first season in London to marry her childhood sweetheart. Anthony wants Cassandra so badly that he does go so far as to kidnap her. He does rape her...but in his mind it is so she can't go back to her fiance. He tries to teach Cassandra pleasure along the way. And the one time he does beat her, he doesn't really want to do it...she disobeys his orders on his ship and she assumes she will be punished after he scolds her and actually urges him to 'get it over with.' Despite having kidnapped Cassandra, Anthony treats her kindly and tries to earn her affection. And despite some very bad things happening to the heroine, the book ends happily enough. If you love historical romances and can deal with the 'harsher' parts of history in regards to how women were treated back then, then I recommend giving this book a try!...more